Oblique incision of the groin for vascular reconstruction at the femoral level.

Exposure of the common femoral artery and its branches for vascular reconstruction has most often been accomplished with a vertical or hockey stick incision which crosses the inguinal folds. An oblique skin incision placed parallel to, and slightly above, the inguinal ligament affords adequate exposure, possesses better healing characteristics and, in the obese, avoids a potentially inflamed inguinal skin crease.